Newark and Sherwood District Council to talk with former Wetherspoons building owners on conservation after Grade Two listed building boarded up
Questions have been raised about the state of the former Wetherspoons pub, in Newark town centre.
The former Sir John Arderne in Newark Market Place has now been boarded up following it’s closure at the end of August.
J D Wetherpoon pulled out of the town for what it called “commercial reasons”, closing the pub which had been a popular spot in the town centre for over 20 years.
Now the building owners have boarded up the windows and doors of the vacant, Grade Two listed building, which was built in the 1820s.
Following concern from residents about the large sheets of chipboard not being in keeping with the character of the Georgian building and Market Place as a whole, Newark and Sherwood District Council have said they will take action.
Matthew Spoors, the council’s portfolio holder for sustainable economic development, said: “We understand an owners desire to secure a vacant unit but the works which have been done is unsympathetic from a conservation perspective.
“We think there are better ways to do this, either through the use of images on what is a blank canvas or animating shop windows in different ways.
“We will continue to liaise with the landowners, including taking any necessary enforcement action required.
“We will also be having conversations as to how the council can help secure a new tenant for the site.
“This is an important listed building within the town centre and Newark Conservation Area and is a visible reminder of the challenges all town and city centres are facing nationally.
The council said they were also working with town centre traders in terms of offering advice, business rate support, and access to grants when they are available.
Mr Spoors said “As a council we have also invested in a number of projects to aid the vibrancy of the town, including the fully occupied Travelodge at the former Robin Hood Hotel and Newark Buttermarket.
“We have just started work to develop the former Marks & Spencers building to create a new high quality residential offer within the town.
“We have also recently refurbished new historically appropriate shop fronts as part of our Heritage Action Zone scheme.”
